India has successfully conducted a flight test of the indigenously developed Pralay quasi-ballistic missile off the Odisha coast, marking another significant step in strengthening the country's conventional missile capabilities and advancing its indigenous defence technology programme.
The missile, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), was tested at the Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Chandipur, Odisha. The successful launch formed part of the ongoing evaluation of the weapon system before its operational induction into the armed forces.
Pralay is a surface-to-surface, solid-propellant quasi-ballistic missile designed to engage a variety of targets with high precision. It has a strike range of 150 to 500 kilometres and can carry different types of conventional warheads.
The missile incorporates advanced guidance and navigation technologies, allowing it to follow a manoeuvrable trajectory and adjust its flight path during different stages of its journey.
Unlike conventional ballistic missiles, which generally follow predictable trajectories, Pralay is designed to manoeuvre during flight, making it more challenging for enemy air defence systems to track and intercept.
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The latest flight test was aimed at assessing the missile's operational performance and validating its guidance, navigation and flight-control systems.
Pralay is powered by a solid-propellant rocket motor, which enables the weapon system to remain ready for deployment and reduces the preparation time required before launch.
The missile can be launched from a mobile platform, providing the armed forces with greater operational flexibility and allowing deployment from different locations.
Its quasi-ballistic flight profile enables it to follow a relatively low trajectory while executing manoeuvres that can complicate interception by hostile missile defence systems.
The missile has been developed to provide the Indian Army and Indian Air Force with a precision-strike capability against military targets at short and medium tactical distances.
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The Pralay missile programme is part of India's efforts to develop advanced weapon systems domestically and reduce dependence on imported defence technology.
The missile has been developed by the Research Centre Imarat in Hyderabad in collaboration with several other DRDO laboratories, including the Defence Research and Development Laboratory, Advanced Systems Laboratory and Armament Research and Development Establishment.
Bharat Dynamics Limited and Bharat Electronics Limited have served as development-cum-production partners, supporting the integration and manufacturing of the missile system.
The programme has also involved contributions from other Indian defence industries, reflecting the growing participation of domestic manufacturers in advanced missile development.
The missile's guidance and navigation systems are designed to provide high accuracy against designated targets, while its mobile launch capability allows rapid deployment in different operational environments.
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Pralay underwent its maiden developmental flight test on December 22, 2021, from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the Odisha coast.
During that test, the missile followed the intended quasi-ballistic trajectory and reached its designated target with a high degree of accuracy, validating its control, guidance and mission systems.
Subsequent developmental trials were conducted to assess the missile's performance under different operational conditions.
In July 2025, DRDO successfully conducted two consecutive flight tests of Pralay from the Odisha coast as part of user evaluation trials.
On December 31, 2025, the organisation achieved another milestone by launching two Pralay missiles in quick succession from the same launcher.
Both missiles followed their intended trajectories and met the prescribed flight objectives, with tracking sensors and telemetry systems confirming their performance.
The successful salvo launch demonstrated the reliability of the weapon system and its ability to engage separate targets in rapid succession.
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The latest test adds to India's efforts to strengthen its conventional precision-strike capabilities through domestically developed missile systems.
Pralay is intended to provide the armed forces with a mobile, responsive weapon capable of engaging strategically important military targets without relying on aircraft-based strike platforms.
Its range, manoeuvrability and compatibility with different conventional warheads make it suitable for a variety of operational requirements.
The missile's development also supports the government's broader objective of achieving greater self-reliance in defence manufacturing under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
With successive successful trials, the Pralay programme has continued to progress towards operational deployment, strengthening India's ability to develop and manufacture advanced missile systems using indigenous technology.